Manila Heat & Missing My Lens Cap (Again)
okay, so this is…a lot. manila. it’s humid. like, really humid. i just checked and it’s 27.67 degrees Celsius, but feels like you’re walking into a sauna, honestly. 31.29 if you believe the fancy numbers. my hair is officially a lost cause.
I’m Leo, by the way. Freelance photographer. Currently chasing light (and air conditioning) through the Philippines. I’m here on assignment for a travel magazine - supposed to be capturing the “authentic Manila experience.” Right now, the authentic experience feels like constantly wiping sweat off my forehead and battling the urge to just sit in the hotel room with the AC blasting.
Yesterday, I spent hours wandering around Intramuros, the old walled city. The architecture is incredible, seriously. All these Spanish colonial buildings… the light was almost perfect. Almost. I keep losing my lens cap. I swear, it has a mind of its own. I’ve already retraced my steps three times. Someone told me that there’s a really good repair shop near Quiapo Market, but honestly, the thought of navigating that market right now is exhausting. I’ve heard it’s a total sensory overload, which, okay, I’m a photographer, I like sensory overload, but maybe not when I’m already melting.
I did find a decent little coffee shop - “The Curator” - in Legazpi Village. Strong coffee is essential for survival here. It’s a bit pricey for Manila, but worth it for a caffeine hit and a few minutes of respite. Check out the reviews on Yelp, people seem to rave about their coffee and pastries. https://www.yelp.com/
Accommodation is…interesting. I’m staying in a guesthouse in Malate. It’s clean enough, and the owner is lovely, but the walls are paper thin. I can hear everything. Last night, there was a karaoke session going on until 3 am. It was…enthusiastic. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, TripAdvisor has a bunch of hotel options. https://www.tripadvisor.com/
I’m trying to get some street photography done, but it’s hard when you’re constantly dodging jeepneys and trying not to get pickpocketed. I heard that Binondo Chinatown is a good spot for that, but I haven’t ventured there yet. It’s supposed to be the oldest Chinatown in the world! Maybe tomorrow. Or maybe I’ll just find another coffee shop.
Honestly, the energy here is infectious, even when it’s exhausting. It’s chaotic, loud, and a little bit overwhelming, but it’s also…real. I’m starting to see past the sweat and the noise and actually appreciate the beauty of this city. Plus, the food is amazing. I had adobo yesterday that was life-changing. You can find more info about Manila's attractions here: https://www.tourismphilippines.com/
Okay, gotta go. Need to find that lens cap. And maybe a stronger deodorant. And definitely more coffee.
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